Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome
A very rare (but serious) condition caused by an overwhelming infection of the bloodstream. The condition is almost always fatal unless it is immediately treated in a hospital with intensive care.
Cause. Bacteria of the meningococcus group are the cause of this disease, and therefore MENINGITIS is often associated with this syndrome.
Symptoms. The onset of symptoms with this syndrome is abrupt; within hours, the victim sinks into a coma as blood pours into the adrenal glands, leading to acute adrenal failure and shock. Rapidly enlarging purple spots appear on the skin.
Treatment. Emergency treatment includes vasopressor drugs, intravenous fluids, plasma, and oxygen. No sedatives or narcotics are given. Specific treatment for BACTEREMIA is intensive antibiotic therapy given until symptoms subside.
